Balun for trapping RF current on a transmission line

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for a radially attachable RF trap attached from a side to a shielded RF cable. In some embodiments, the RF trap creates a high impedance on the outer shield of the RF cable at a frequency of RF signals carried on at least one inner conductor of the cable. In some embodiments, an RF-trap apparatus for blocking stray signals on a shielded RF cable that has a peripheral shield conductor and a inner conductor for carrying RF signals includes: a case; an LC circuit having a resonance frequency equal to RF signals carried on the inner conductor; projections that pierce and connect the LC circuit to the shield conductor; and an attachment device that holds the case to the cable with the LC circuit electrically connected to the shield conductor of the shielded RF cable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/000,796 filed on Jan. 19, 2016 by Matthew T. Waks et al., titled“METHOD AND BALUN FOR TRAPPING RF CURRENT ON A TRANSMISSION LINE AFTERINSTALLATION” (which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,509,271 on Nov. 29,2016), which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/881,154 filed on Oct. 13, 2015 by Matthew T. Waks et al., titled“SNAP-ON COAXIAL CABLE BALUN AND METHOD FOR TRAPPING RF CURRENT ONOUTSIDE SHIELD OF COAX AFTER INSTALLATION” (which issued as U.S. Pat.No. 9,240,765 on Jan. 19, 2016), which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/831,752 filed on Mar. 15, 2013 by Matthew T.Waks et al., titled “SNAP-ON COAXIAL CABLE BALUN AND METHOD FOR TRAPPINGRF CURRENT ON OUTSIDE SHIELD OF COAX AFTER INSTALLATION” (which issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 9,160,295 on Oct. 13, 2015), each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of radio-frequency balance/unbalance(“balun”) circuitry and more specifically to a method and RF-trapapparatus that can be attached to an installed coaxial cable from theside rather than from over an end, and, in some embodiments, foradjusting the characteristics electrically and/or mechanically.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term “balun” refers to a radio-frequency (RF) cabletrap that blocks stray RF current from flowing on the outside of shieldconductors of coaxial RF cables.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,775 to Seeber et al. issued Aug. 12, 2003 with thetitle “Floating radio frequency trap for shield currents” and isincorporated herein by reference. Seeber et al. describe a floatingshield current trap that provides first and second concentric tubularconductors electrically connected to provide a resonance-induced highimpedance of current flow in a path consisting of the inner and outerconductors and their junctions thereby suppressing coupled current flowon a shield of a conductor contained within the first inner tubularconductor.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,465 to Seeber issued Dec. 16, 2003 with the title“Tuning system for floating radio frequency trap” and is incorporatedherein by reference. Seeber describes a floating shield current trapprovides two resonance loops formed of split concentric tubularconductors joined radially at their axial ends. Adjustment of theseparation of these loops provides a change in coupling between theloops effecting a simplified tuning of the resonance of the trap fordifferent expected frequencies of interfering shield current.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,593,744 to Burl et al. issued Jul. 15, 2003 with thetitle “Multi-channel RF cable trap for magnetic resonance apparatus” andis incorporated herein by reference. Burl et al. describe amulti-channel RF cable trap that blocks stray RF current from flowing onshield conductors of coaxial RF cables of a magnetic resonanceapparatus. An inductor is formed by a curved semi-rigid troughconstructed of an insulating material coated with an electricallyconducting layer. Preferably, the inductor and the cable follow an“S”-shaped path to facilitate good electromagnetic coupling. The RFcables are laid in the trough and the shield conductors inductivelycouple with the inductor. A capacitor and optional trim capacitor areconnected across the trough of the inductor to form a resonant LCcircuit tuned to the resonance frequency. The LC circuit inductivelycouples with the shield conductors to present a signal-attenuating highimpedance at the resonance frequency. The resonant circuit is preferablycontained in an RF-shielding box with removable lid.

Conventional electrical components that permitted one to varyresistance, inductance, and/or capacitance under electrical controltypically have somewhat limited component values available and are notcompatible with being located in high fields (e.g., the fields of 1tesla or more that are typically found in high-energy physicsexperiments such as the $9-billion Large Hadron Collider that has been20 years in making and is still being modified to be able to operate).

Low-power circuits can use varactors (electrically variable capacitors),field-effect transistors (used as variable gain elements or variableresistors) and like components that are directlyelectrically-adjustable, for use in adjusting frequency, impedance orother circuit characteristics and parameters, however such componentsare often unsuitable or inoperative in high fields.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,069 issued Dec. 17, 2002 to Lussey et al. with thetitle “Polymer composition” and is incorporated herein by reference.Lussey et al. describe a polymer composition comprises at least onesubstantially non-conductive polymer and at least one electricallyconductive filler and in the form of granules. Their elastomer materialwas proposed for devices for controlling or switching electric current,to avoid or limit disadvantages such as the generation of transients andsparks which are associated with the actuation of conventionalmechanical switches. They described an electrical conductor compositeproviding conduction when subjected to mechanical stress orelectrostatic charge but electrically insulating when quiescentcomprising a granular composition each granule of which comprises atleast one substantially non-conductive polymer and at least oneelectrically conductive filler and is electrically insulating whenquiescent but conductive when subjected to mechanical stress. They didnot propose a means for electrically activating such switches.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,299,681 to Snyder, Vaughan and Lemaire issued Oct. 30,2012 with the title “Remotely adjustable reactive and resistiveelectrical elements and method” and is incorporated herein by reference.Snyder, Vaughan and Lemaire describe an apparatus and method thatincludes providing a variable-parameter electrical component in ahigh-field environment and based on an electrical signal, automaticallymoving a movable portion of the electrical component in relation toanother portion of the electrical component to vary at least one of itsparameters. In some embodiments, the moving uses a mechanical movementdevice (e.g., a linear positioner, rotary motor, or pump). In someembodiments of the method, the electrical component has a variableinductance, capacitance, and/or resistance. Some embodiments includeusing a computer that controls the moving of the movable portion of theelectrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of theelectrical component. Some embodiments include using a feedback signalto provide feedback control in order to adjust and/or maintain theelectrical parameter. Some embodiments include a non-magnetic positionerconnected to an electrical component configured to have its RLCparameters varied by the positioner.

Conventional baluns are unitary structures that are slipped over an endof a cable and then soldered in place. This makes it difficult andinconvenient to install such a balun once both ends of the cable areconnectorized and/or soldered in place.

There is a long-felt need for an RF cable trap that can be installed ona cable from the side and that blocks stray RF current from flowing onshield conductors of coaxial RF cables.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides snap-on coaxial cable balun and methodfor trapping RF current on outside shield of coax after the cable isinstalled.

In some embodiments, one or more reactive elements of the snap-on balunof the present invention include adjustable parameters (e.g.,capacitance and/or inductance) that are adjusted electrically. In otherembodiments, the adjustable parameters (e.g., capacitance and/orinductance) are adjusted mechanically using electrically controlledactuators. In some embodiments, these electrically controlledmechanical-movement devices (such as piezo-electrical linear motors,micro-electronic mechanical-system (MEMS) mechanical actuators or MEMSpumps) and other elements (which are used to make the resistors,inductors, capacitors, and/or antenna elements) include metals that haveonly substantially non-magnetic components such that the resistors,inductors, capacitors, robotic arms or similar mechanical devices,and/or antenna elements and the mechanical positioner(s) or pump(s) thatadjust their variable values can be placed and operated within and/ornear an extremely high electric field of many thousands of volts permeter (such as connected to or affecting electricity-transmission linescarrying hundreds of thousands of volts and very large currents), orextremely-high magnetic field such as within the very strongsuperconducting-wire magnets of high-energy particle-physics experiments(such as the Large Hadron Collider) or within magnets of amagnetic-resonance imaging machines, or during and after anelectromagnetic pulse (EMP) from a nuclear event.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides the ability toadjust very sensitive circuits that do not involve high fields, butinstead involve very low fields (such as within completely enclosedFaraday cages (which block low-frequency external fields) havingradio-frequency (RF) shielding (which block high-frequency externalfields) that are measuring very small parameters such as extremelylow-voltage circuits where the presence of a person or magneticmechanical movement device (such as a magnetic linear positioner, rotarymotor, or pump) would change the field, but which use the mechanicalmovement device(s) to adjust the configuration of RLC(resistive-inductive-capacitive) components without modifying fields orintroducing extraneous capacitances or inductances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an RF trap system that uses an RF trapapparatus on a shielded cable, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of RF trap apparatus, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a perspective-view computer-model image of RF trap apparatus,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1D is an end-view computer-model image of RF trap apparatus,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1E is a block diagram of an RF trap system that uses an RF trapapparatus on a shielded cable, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1F is a block diagram of RF trap apparatus, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1G is a perspective view of a shielded cable having a plurality ofinner conductors, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1H is a perspective front-end view computer-model image of RF trapapparatus, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1I is a perspective back-end view computer-model image of RF trapapparatus, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1J is a perspective view of a shielded cable having a single innerconductor, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1K is a perspective view of a RF trap system that has shieldedcable wrapped with conductor tape that includes a plurality of piercingpoints that conduct RF between the conductor tape and the shield ofcable, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1L is an end cross section view of RF trap system wrapped withconductor tape that uses an RF trap apparatus on a shielded cable,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1M is a perspective view of RF trap system wrapped with conductortape, which uses an RF trap apparatus on a shielded cable, according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1N is an end cross section view of RF trap system wrapped withconductor tape that uses an RF trap apparatus on a shielded cable,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1O is a perspective view of RF trap system wrapped with conductortape that uses an RF trap apparatus on a shielded cable, according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1P is a block diagram of an RF trap system that uses an RF trapapparatus on a shielded cable, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1Q is an end cross section view of RF trap system that uses atwo-part, interlocking RF trap apparatus on a shielded cable, accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1R is a block diagram of an RF trap system that uses an RF trapapparatus on a shielded cable, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1S is an end cross section view of RF trap system that uses atwo-part, interlocking RF trap apparatus on a shielded cable, accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1T is a block diagram of an RF trap system that uses an RF trapapparatus on a shielded cable, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1U is a block diagram of an RF trap system that uses an RF trapapparatus on a shielded cable, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1V is an end cross section view of RF trap system that uses atwo-part, interlocking RF trap apparatus on a shielded cable, accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1W is a block diagram of an RF trap system that uses an RF trapapparatus on a shielded cable, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1X is a block diagram of an RF trap system that uses an RF trapapparatus on a shielded cable, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of system that uses one or more drivers todrive signals to adjust the electrical parameters and/or resonantfrequency of the LC circuit to which they are connected.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a transmission line used in someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a tee network used in some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of a tee network used in some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a pi network used in some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of another pi network used in someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a quad combiner used in someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of another quad combiner used in someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a Wilkinson power splitter/combinerusing quarter-wave transmission line segments used in some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 7B is schematic diagram of a Wilkinson power splitter/combinerusing discrete capacitors and inductances used in some embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a rat-race coupler using quarter-wavetransmission line segments used in some embodiments of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics forthe purpose of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that many variations and alterations to the following detailsare within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the followingpreferred embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss ofgenerality to, and without imposing limitations upon the claimedinvention. Further, in the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawingsthat form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrationspecific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It isunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The leading digit(s) of reference numbers appearing in the Figuresgenerally corresponds to the Figure number in which that component isfirst introduced, such that the same reference number is used throughoutto refer to an identical component which appears in multiple Figures.Signals and connections may be referred to by the same reference numberor label, and the actual meaning will be clear from its use in thecontext of the description.

As used herein, a non-magnetic mechanical movement device is anyelectrically-controlled device (such as a linear positioner, rotarymotor, or pump) made of materials that do not move (or move to asubstantially negligible amount) due to a high magnetic field whensubjected to the high magnetic field. Such devices can be placed withinthe high magnetic field of a magnetic-resonance machine or thesuperconducting magnet of a particle accelerator without the danger ofthe device moving due to the magnetic field and/or without theundesirable result of changing the magnetic field due to their presence.In many of the descriptions herein, the term “motor” (such as motor 140)will be used as an example of such a non-magnetic mechanical movementdevice, however one of skill in the art will recognize that in otherembodiments, the “motor” can be implemented as a linear or rotary motordevice using suitable linkages, or as a pump that uses a liquid orpneumatic fluid to effectuate the described movement.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an RF trap system 191 that uses an RF trapapparatus 101, having a case 130, on a shielded cable 99, according tosome embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, cable 99includes one or more inner conductors 93 covered with insulator layer94, and a conductive shield 92 surrounding the insulator layer 94, andan outer insulator layer 91 surrounding the shield 92. In someembodiments, RF trap 101 includes a plurality of pi networks 181, eachpi network including a pair of capacitors 122, each capacitor 122connected between an outer conductor 124 and one of the piercingprojections 120 that connects to shield 92 once the RF trap 101 isclamped onto cable 99. In some embodiments, the plurality of pi networksis tuned to a resonance frequency of an RF signal carried by the one ormore inner conductors 93. In some embodiments, this tuning creates ahigh impedance on the outside of the shield 92, thus suppressing RFcurrents in the shield 92, and/or suppressing RF radiation from shield92. In some embodiments, the outer conductors 124 form the L componentof the pi network shown in FIG. 6C.

In each of the embodiments shown herein, the LC circuits shown can bereplaced by one or more of the LC networks shown in the others of theFigures. In some such embodiments, a plurality of such L, C, andtransmission line elements are combined to achieve the desired trappingof RF currents on the outer surface of the shield of the shielded cable.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an RF trap apparatus 101 as described inthe description of FIG. 1A above, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1C is a perspective-view computer-model image of RF trap apparatus101, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1D is an end-view computer-model image of RF trap apparatus 101,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1E is a block diagram of an RF trap system 192 that uses an RF trapapparatus 101 on a shielded cable 99, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1F is a block diagram of an RF trap apparatus 102, according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1G is a perspective view of a shielded cable 98, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1H is a perspective front view computer-model image of RF trapapparatus 101, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1I is a perspective end view computer-model image of RF trapapparatus 101, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1J is a perspective view of a shielded cable 99, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1K is a perspective view of a RF trap system 180 that has shieldedcable 98 wrapped with conductor tape 150 that includes a plurality ofpiercing points that conduct RF between the conductor tape 150 and theshield of cable, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1L is an end cross section view of RF trap system 194 wrapped withconductor tape 150 that uses an RF trap apparatus 104 on a shieldedcable 98, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1M is a perspective view of RF trap system 193 wrapped withconductor tape 150, that uses an RF trap apparatus 103 on a shieldedcable 98, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1N is an end cross section view of RF trap system 195 wrapped withconductor tape 150 that uses an RF trap apparatus 105 on a shieldedcable 98, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 1N, RF trap system 105 includes two parts 105A and 105Bconnected by hinges 152 and latches 151 that form an attachment device,that work along with penetrating projections 120 to hold the case to theshielded RF cable 98 with the LC circuit electrically connected to theshield conductor of the shielded RF cable.

FIG. 1O is an perspective view of RF trap system 195 wrapped withconductor tape 150 that uses an RF trap apparatus 105 on a shieldedcable 98, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 1O, RF trap system 105 includes latches 151 on eachjunction of conductor tape 150.

FIG. 1P is a block diagram of an RF trap system 196 that uses an RF trapapparatus 106 on a shielded cable 99, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1Q is an end cross section view of RF trap system 197 that uses atwo-part, interlocking RF trap apparatus 107 on a shielded cable 98,according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG.1Q, RF trap apparatus 107 includes two symmetrical parts 107A and 107Beach having interlocking latches 131A and 131B on opposite sides of eachof the two symmetrical parts 107A and 107B that form an attachmentdevice configured to hold the case to the shielded RF cable and urgepenetrating projections 120 to form the LC circuit electricallyconnected to the shield conductor of the shielded RF cable 98.

FIG. 1R is a block diagram of an RF trap system 198 that uses an RF trapapparatus 108 on a shielded cable 99, according to some embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1S is an end cross section view of RF trap system 199A that uses atwo-part, interlocking RF trap apparatus 109A on a shielded cable 98,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1T is a block diagram of an RF trap system 199B that uses an RFtrap apparatus 109B on a shielded cable 99, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1U is a block diagram of an RF trap system 199C that uses an RFtrap apparatus 109C on a shielded cable 99, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1V is an end cross section view of RF trap system 197B that uses atwo-part, interlocking RF trap apparatus 107B on a shielded cable 98,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1W is a block diagram of an RF trap system 199D that uses an RFtrap apparatus 109D on a shielded cable 99, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1X is a block diagram of an RF trap system 199E that uses an RFtrap apparatus 109E on a shielded cable 99, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system 201 that uses one or more drivers 210 to drivesignals to adjust the electrical parameters and/or resonant frequency ofthe LC circuit 220 to which they are connected. In some embodiments, thediode 251 in series with inductance 252 is forward-biased (to includethe inductance) or reverse biased (to exclude the inductance) by avariable amount of DC current to allow the inductance 252 to adjust theresonance frequency of the circuit that includes capacitors 253 and 255and inductances 252 and 254. Similarly, the diode 256 in series withinductance 257 is forward-biased (to include the inductance) or reversebiased (to exclude the inductance) by a variable amount of DC current toallow the inductance 252 to adjust the resonance frequency that part ofthe circuit. In some embodiments, a plurality of piercing elements 260,each including a central piercing element 261 that conducts electricityto the core conductor 93 of coax 99. An insulating layer 94 surroundsthe conductor 93, and insulating layer 262 of each point 260 extendsinto this insulating layer 94 in order to isolate conductor 261 from theshield 92. An outer conductor 263 on each point 260 extends into theshield 92 to electrically conduct the RF trap signals from the shield tothe RF trap 201. In some embodiments, an additional outer insulatinglayer is provided outside conductor 263 of each point. In someembodiments, each of the electrically tunable circuits 220 includes avaractor capacitor and/or a diode in series with an inductor, whoseparameters are electrically adjusted to tune a resonant frequency andset up a high-impedance condition on the outside of the shield.

In some of each of the embodiments described herein, the conductors aremade of a conductive metal. In some such embodiments, the conductivemetal is non-magnetic, in order that the devices can be used in ahigh-Tesla magnetic field (e.g., 3 T, 7 T or 10 T and above).

FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 7A,FIG. 7B and FIG. 8 are each LC networks, one or more of which are usedsingly or as one of a plurality of components distributed around thecircumference of the balun as the LC network in some embodiments of themulti-part interlocking balun of the present invention. In someembodiments, such as shown in FIG. 1C, for example, the interlockingbalun has two halves that are hinged along one side and that haveinterlocking latches 131A and 131B (as shown in FIG. 1Q) along theopposite side that form an attachment device configured to hold the caseto the shielded RF cable with the LC circuit electrically connected tothe shield conductor of the shielded RF cable 98. In other embodiments,such as shown in FIG. 1Q, for example, the interlocking balun has twohalves that are symmetrical and that have interlocking latches 131A and131B as shown in FIG. 1Q along both sides.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a transmission line that is used insome embodiments of the snap-on RF trap balun of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a tee network that is used in someembodiments of the snap-on RF trap balun of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of a tee network that is used in someembodiments of the snap-on RF trap balun of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a pi network that is used in someembodiments of the snap-on RF trap balun of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of another pi network that is used insome embodiments of the snap-on RF trap balun of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a quad combiner that is used in someembodiments of the snap-on RF trap balun of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of another quad combiner that is used insome embodiments of the snap-on RF trap balun of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a Wilkinson power splitter/combinerusing quarter-wave transmission line segments that is used in someembodiments of the snap-on RF trap balun of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is schematic diagram of a Wilkinson power splitter/combinerusing discrete capacitors and inductances that is used in someembodiments of the snap-on RF trap balun of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a rat-race coupler 801 usingquarter-wave transmission line segments used in some embodiments of thepresent invention.

In some embodiments, the system of the present invention includes an RFtrap having an LC circuit with one or more adjustable elements (e.g.,the inductance and/or capacitance is adjustable), and in someembodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes one or more non-magnetic(e.g., piezoelectric) motors adjusted by its own respective motorcontroller(s) and feedback circuit(s) to robotically move mechanicalparts (levers, hoops, sheets of resilient elastic material, and thelike) to achieve robotic control within the high-field orsensitive-field environment in which the RLC and/or antenna elements areadjusted by their own respective motor controllers and feedbackcircuits. In some such embodiments, the system sets an initial set ofparameters (for example, resistance, inductance, capacitance, dielectricshape, frequency, phase, gain/attenuation, temporal properties, spatialproperties (the shape of magnetic or electric fields), pulse width,mechanical position and orientation, or other controlled parameter) anda feedback circuit senses the result (one or more characteristics orparameters) and automatically adjusts the components (for example,variable resistors, inductors, capacitors, antennas, dielectric shapes,mechanical positioners and the like) in the system to compensate orcontrol the system to achieve a desired result (e.g., a radar signal,magnetic-resonance or electron-spin image, or other desired systemoutput).

In some embodiments, the one or more non-magnetic (e.g., piezoelectric)motors actuate control over electrical switches, amplitude modulators,frequency controllers, phase controllers, gain controllers, frequencymodulators and the like by using, for example, control of variableresistor(s), inductor(s), capacitor(s), antenna(s), dielectric shape(s),mechanical positioner(s) and the like.

In some embodiments, the system uses non-magnetic (e.g., piezoelectric)motors (or other mechanical-movement devices) that include linearactuators, rotary actuators, pumps (pneumatic (pressure or vacuum)and/or liquid pumps) and/or the like. In some embodiments, the systemoptionally includes non-magnetic sensors (e.g., using piezoelectric orother suitable technologies) that include linear strain gauges, rotarysensors, pressure or sound sensors (e.g., pneumatic (pressure or vacuum)and/or liquid), position sensors, light and image sensors, voltage orcurrent sensors, and/or the like. In some embodiments, such actuatorelements and/or sensor elements are used for remotely controlled roboticdiagnosis and examination, surgery, biopsy, and the like in a medicalenvironment (such as a magnetic-resonance machine).

In some embodiments, the present invention includes one or more of anyone or more of the devices in any of the figures herein in a combinedcircuit that connects the described variable components, optionallyincluding other conventional components.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an RF trap forblocking stray signals on a shielded RF cable that has a peripheralshield conductor and at least one inner conductor for carrying RFsignals, the RF trap including: a case; an LC circuit that is mounted tothe case and that has a resonance frequency at a frequency of RF signalscarried on the at least one inner conductor; a piercing structureelectrically connected to the LC circuit and configured to pierce andelectrically connect the LC circuit to the shield conductor of theshielded RF cable; and an attachment device configured to hold the caseto the shielded RF cable with the LC circuit electrically connected tothe shield conductor of the shielded RF cable.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an RF-trap apparatusfor blocking stray signals on a shielded RF cable that has a peripheralshield conductor and at least one inner conductor for carrying RFsignals. This RF trap apparatus includes: a case; an LC circuit that ismounted to the case and that has a resonance frequency at a frequency ofRF signals carried on the at least one inner conductor; a plurality ofprojections electrically connected to the LC circuit and configured topierce and electrically connect the LC circuit to the shield conductorof the shielded RF cable; and an attachment device configured to holdthe case to the shielded RF cable with the LC circuit electricallyconnected to the shield conductor of the shielded RF cable.

Some embodiments further include an automatic parameter-adjustment unitoperatively coupled to the LC circuit and configured to adjustelectrical parameters of the LC circuit to control the resonancefrequency of the LC circuit.

Some embodiments further include an automatic parameter-adjustment unitthat has a non-magnetic mechanical actuator operatively coupled to theLC circuit and configured to adjust electrical parameters of the LCcircuit to control the resonance frequency of the LC circuit.

In some embodiments, the plurality of projections electrically connectedto the LC circuit include a first plurality of pointed projections at afirst end of the case and a second plurality of pointed projections at asecond end of the case opposite the first.

In some embodiments, the plurality of projections electrically connectedto the LC circuit include a first plurality of pointed projections at afirst end of the case and a second plurality of pointed projections at asecond end of the case opposite the first, wherein each one of the firstplurality of pointed projections is capacitively coupled to acylindrical conductor spaced apart from the shield conductor of theshielded RF cable, and wherein each one of the second plurality ofpointed projections is capacitively coupled to the cylindricalconductor.

In some embodiments, the plurality of projections electrically connectedto the LC circuit include a first plurality of pointed projections onlyat a first end of the case and no pointed projections at a second end ofthe case opposite the first, and the LC circuit includes a conductivecylinder that is electrically connected to first plurality of pointedprojections only at a first end of the case.

In some embodiments, the LC circuit includes a plurality of pi networksarranged at different radial directions around the shielded RF cable.

In some embodiments, the LC circuit includes a plurality of Tee networksarranged at different radial directions around the shielded RF cable.

In some embodiments, the LC circuit includes a plurality of quad-couplernetworks arranged at different radial directions around the shielded RFcable.

In some embodiments, the LC circuit includes a plurality of Wilkensonpower-splitter-combiner networks arranged at different radial directionsaround the shielded RF cable.

In some embodiments, the LC circuit includes a plurality ofrat-race-coupler networks arranged at different radial directions aroundthe shielded RF cable.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method thatincludes: providing a case having an LC circuit that is mounted to thecase and that has a resonance frequency at a frequency of RF signalscarried on the at least one inner conductor; a piercing structureelectrically connected to the LC circuit and configured to pierce andelectrically connect the LC circuit to the shield conductor of theshielded RF cable; and an attachment device configured to hold the caseto the shielded RF cable with the LC circuit electrically connected tothe shield conductor of the shielded RF cable.

Some embodiments further include automatically adjusting electricalparameters of the LC circuit to adjust the resonance frequency.

Some embodiments further include automatically adjusting electricalparameters of the LC circuit to adjust the resonance frequency by movinga non-magnetic mechanical-movement device.

In some embodiments of the method, the plurality of projectionselectrically connected to the LC circuit include a first plurality ofpointed projections at a first end of the case and a second plurality ofpointed projections at a second end of the case opposite the first.

In some embodiments of the method, the plurality of projectionselectrically connected to the LC circuit include a first plurality ofpointed projections at a first end of the case and a second plurality ofpointed projections at a second end of the case opposite the first,wherein each one of the first plurality of pointed projections iscapacitively coupled to a cylindrical conductor spaced apart from theshield conductor of the shielded RF cable, and wherein each one of thesecond plurality of pointed projections is capacitively coupled to thecylindrical conductor.

In some embodiments of the method, the plurality of projectionselectrically connected to the LC circuit include a first plurality ofpointed projections only at a first end of the case and no pointedprojections at a second end of the case opposite the first, and the LCcircuit includes a conductive cylinder that is electrically connected tofirst plurality of pointed projections only at a first end of the case.

In some embodiments of the method, the LC circuit includes a pluralityof pi networks arranged at different radial directions around theshielded RF cable.

In some embodiments, the LC circuit includes a plurality of Tee networksarranged at different radial directions around the shielded RF cable.

In some embodiments of the method, the LC circuit includes a pluralityof quad-coupler networks arranged at different radial directions aroundthe shielded RF cable.

In some embodiments of the method, the LC circuit includes a pluralityof Wilkenson power-splitter-combiner networks arranged at differentradial directions around the shielded RF cable.

In some embodiments of the method, the LC circuit includes a pluralityof rat-race-coupler networks arranged at different radial directionsaround the shielded RF cable.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon for causinga suitably programmed information processor to execute a method thatcomprises: autocontrolling an electrical parameter of an LC circuit thatis mounted to a case of a snap-on balun attached to a shielded RF cablethat has a peripheral shield conductor and at least one inner conductorfor carrying RF signals, wherein the LC circuit has a resonancefrequency at a frequency of RF signals carried on the at least one innerconductor, wherein the case includes a piercing structure electricallyconnected to the LC circuit and configured to pierce and electricallyconnect the LC circuit to the shield conductor of the shielded RF cable.In some embodiments of the computer-readable medium, the method furtherincludes using a feedback signal operatively coupled to the programmableinformation-processing device to provide feedback control in order tomaintain the electrical parameter of the LC circuit.

In some embodiments of the computer-readable medium, the method furtherincludes controlling resistance, inductance and capacitance (RLC) valuesof the LC circuit.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Although numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments as described herein have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments, many other embodimentsand changes to details will be apparent to those of skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention shouldbe, therefore, determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Inthe appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and“third,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to imposenumerical requirements on their objects.

What is claimed is:
 1. An RF-trap apparatus for blocking stray signalson a transmission line that has a plurality of conductors for carryingRF signals from a first end of the transmission line to a second end ofthe transmission line and an insulating layer that surrounds theplurality of conductors, wherein a distance between the first end andthe second end defines a length of the transmission line, the RF trapapparatus comprising: a case that is shorter than the length of thetransmission line; an electrically tunable LC circuit that is mounted tothe case and that has a resonance frequency that is tunable to afrequency of the RF signals carried on at least one of the plurality ofconductors; a plurality of electrical connections connected to theelectrically tunable LC circuit and configured to electrically connectthe electrically tunable LC circuit to at least a first one of theplurality of conductors of the transmission line; and an attachmentdevice configured to hold the case to the transmission line with theelectrically tunable LC circuit electrically connected to thetransmission line.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: anautomatic parameter-adjustment unit operatively coupled to theelectrically tunable LC circuit and configured to adjust electricalparameters of the electrically tunable LC circuit to control theresonance frequency of the electrically tunable LC circuit.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an automaticparameter-adjustment unit, wherein the automatic parameter-adjustmentunit includes a non-magnetic mechanical actuator operatively coupled tothe electrically tunable LC circuit and configured to adjust electricalparameters of the electrically tunable LC circuit to control theresonance frequency of the electrically tunable LC circuit.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrically tunable LC circuitincludes a plurality of pi networks arranged at a plurality of differentradial directions relative to the transmission line.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical connections includes afirst pointed projection having a first outer conductor and a secondinner conductor, wherein the first outer conductor is coaxial andsurrounding the second inner conductor, wherein the first pointedprojection further includes an insulating layer that separates the firstouter conductor from the second inner conductor of the first pointedprojection, wherein the plurality of electrical connections alsoincludes a second pointed projection having a first outer conductor anda second inner conductor, wherein the first outer conductor is coaxialand surrounding the second inner conductor, wherein the first pointedprojection further includes an insulating layer that separates the firstouter conductor from the second inner conductor of the second pointedprojection, wherein the first pointed projection is closer to a firstend of the case than is the second pointed projection, wherein thesecond pointed projection is closer to a second end of the case than isthe first pointed projection, wherein the electrically tunable LCcircuit is electrically connected to and between the first outerconductor of the first pointed projection and the first conductor of thesecond pointed projection, wherein the first outer conductor of thefirst pointed projection electrically contacts the first one of theplurality of conductors of the transmission line, and wherein the secondinner conductor of the first pointed projection electrically contacts asecond one of the plurality of conductors of the transmission line, andwherein the first outer conductor of the second pointed projectionelectrically contacts the first one of the plurality of conductors ofthe transmission line, and wherein the second inner conductor of thesecond pointed projection electrically contacts the second one of theplurality of conductors of the transmission line.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical connections includes afirst plurality of pointed projections only at a first end of the caseand no pointed projections at a second end of the case opposite thefirst end, and the electrically tunable LC circuit includes a firstconductor having an internal surface area facing and spaced apart fromthe transmission line, wherein the first conductor is electricallyconnected to the first plurality of pointed projections only at thefirst end of the case.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theplurality of electrical connections includes a first pointed projectionand a second pointed projection, wherein the first pointed projection iscloser to a first end of the case than is the second pointed projection,wherein the second pointed projection is closer to a second end of thecase than is the first pointed projection, and wherein the electricallytunable LC circuit is electrically connected to and between the firstpointed projection and the second pointed projection.
 8. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical connections includes afirst pointed projection having a first outer conductor and a secondinner conductor, wherein the first outer conductor is coaxial andsurrounding the second inner conductor, wherein the first pointedprojection further includes an insulating layer that separates the firstouter conductor from the second inner conductor of the first pointedprojection, wherein the plurality of electrical connections alsoincludes a second pointed projection having a first conductor, whereinthe first pointed projection is closer to a first end of the case thanis the second pointed projection, wherein the second pointed projectionis closer to a second end of the case than is the first pointedprojection, wherein the electrically tunable LC circuit is electricallyconnected to and between the first outer conductor of the first pointedprojection and the first conductor of the second pointed projection,wherein the first outer conductor of the first pointed projectionelectrically contacts the first one of the plurality of conductors ofthe transmission line, and wherein the second inner conductor of thefirst pointed projection electrically contacts a second one of theplurality of conductors of the transmission line, and wherein the firstconductor of the second pointed projection electrically contacts thefirst one of the plurality of conductors of the transmission line.
 9. AnRF-trap apparatus for blocking stray signals on a transmission line thathas a plurality of conductors for carrying RF signals and an insulatinglayer, the RF trap apparatus comprising: a case; an electrically tunableLC circuit that is mounted to the case and that has a resonancefrequency that is tunable to a frequency of the RF signals carried on atleast one of the plurality of conductors; a plurality of electricalconnections connected to the electrically tunable LC circuit andconfigured to electrically connect the electrically tunable LC circuitto at least a first one of the plurality of conductors of thetransmission line; and an attachment device configured to hold the caseto the transmission line with the electrically tunable LC circuitelectrically connected to the transmission line, wherein the pluralityof electrical connections includes a first plurality of pointedprojections at a first end of the case.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the case includes a first conductor, wherein the first conductorhas an internal surface area facing and spaced apart from thetransmission line, wherein the plurality of electrical connectionsincludes the first plurality of pointed projections at a first end ofthe case and a second plurality of pointed projections at a second endof the case opposite the first end, wherein each one of the firstplurality of pointed projections is electrically coupled to the firstconductor, and wherein each one of the second plurality of pointedprojections is electrically coupled to the first conductor.
 11. A methodfor trapping RF current on a transmission line, the transmission lineincluding a plurality of conductors for carrying a plurality of RFsignals and an insulating layer, the method comprising: providing a casecontaining an electrically tunable LC circuit that is tunable to aresonance frequency of at least one of the plurality of RF signalscarried on at least one of the plurality of conductors of thetransmission line; electrically connecting the LC circuit to at leastone of the plurality of conductors of the transmission line using aplurality of piercing projections; and electrically adjusting theresonance frequency of the LC circuit.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising: automatically adjusting electrical parameters of theLC circuit to adjust the resonance frequency.
 13. The method of claim11, wherein the electrically connecting includes piercing the insulatinglayer with a first piercing projection and a second piercing projection,such that the first piercing projection pierces the insulating layercloser to a first end of the case than is the second piercingprojection, and the second piercing projection pierces the insulatinglayer closer to a second end of the case than is the first piercingprojection.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the providing of thecase includes providing a first conductor, wherein the first conductorhas an internal surface area facing and spaced apart from thetransmission line, wherein the electrically connecting includes piercingthe insulating layer with a first plurality of pointed projections at afirst end of the case and a second plurality of pointed projections at asecond end of the case opposite the first end, wherein the piercing ofthe insulating layer and electrically connecting the LC circuit includeselectrically coupling each one of the first plurality of pointedprojections to the first conductor at the first end of the case, andelectrically coupling each one of the second plurality of pointedprojections to the first conductor at the second end of the case. 15.The method of claim 11, wherein the electrically connecting includespiercing the insulating layer with a first plurality of pointedprojections at a first end of the case and a second plurality of pointedprojections at a second end of the case opposite the first end, whereineach one of the first plurality of pointed projections is capacitivelycoupled to a cylindrical conductor spaced apart from the transmissionline, and wherein each one of the second plurality of pointedprojections is capacitively coupled to the cylindrical conductor. 16.The method of claim 11, wherein the electrically connecting includespiercing the insulating layer with a first plurality of pointedprojections only at a first end of the case and not piercing theinsulating layer at a second end of the case opposite the first end, andthe LC circuit includes a conductive cylinder that is electricallyconnected to the first plurality of pointed projections only at thefirst end of the case.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising:arranging a plurality of pi networks at a plurality of different radialdirections relative to the transmission line.
 18. The method of claim11, further comprising: arranging a plurality of Tee networks at aplurality of different radial directions relative to the transmissionline.
 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: arranging aplurality of quad-coupler networks at a plurality of different radialdirections relative to the transmission line.
 20. An apparatus fortrapping RF current on a transmission line, the transmission lineincluding a plurality of conductors for carrying RF signals and aninsulating layer, the apparatus comprising: a case containing an LCcircuit that is tunable to a resonance frequency of at least one of theRF signals carried on at least one of the plurality of conductors of thetransmission line; means for electrically connecting the LC circuit toat least one of the plurality of conductors of the transmission line;and means for electrically adjusting the resonance frequency of the LCcircuit.